UKPA – International Polocrosse Test Series
18-19th July – Ashfields Polocrosse Club, Essex

When Ashfields Polcrosse Club and the United Kingdom Polocrosse Association selected Graphic Evidence to represent them as their PR and Marketing partner, we knew very little about Polocrosse, but we took up the challenge to present the sport to a wider audience and attract new members, players and supporters, little did we realise how involved and excited by the sport we would become!

Saturday started early as we called all UK players for a photo-call, so that we could build a stock of images for the UKPA for rider profiles and future press information. Hair was combed, make-up applied and hats and sunglasses coaxed from riders, as many attended a little bemused by the proceedings. But now we have a bank of images for the hungry media we can promote them and their sport.

We then jumped into action, preparing the Breast Cancer Campaign Auction, that would take place following the VIP lunch. We took a few minutes to enjoy a little B grade polocrosse before the guests began to arrive for the glorious champagne reception. VIP guests, media representatives and all of the International players joined the reception and chatted together whilst nibbling on the most gorgeous canapes (the quail egg and bacon tarts being my favourite).

The 130 VIP guests, competition winners, media and Breast Cancer Campaign representatives then sat down to a wonderful meal. Unfortunately I didn’t get to join them and enjoy it (far too busy) but it looked exquisite, particularly the dessert! During coffee Kirsty, from the Breast Cancer Campaign delivered a moving and motivating speech, that lead us into the Charity Auction. Some wonderful prizes were generously donated and £1600 was raised from the auction alone.

Obviously I haven’t even mentioned the polocrosse yet, but you should read the press release to find out exactly what happened and how exciting it was. Suffice to say South Africa won 3 out of the 4 matches, despite our own Jason Webb’s best efforts. Jason was moved from number 3 to number 1 position in the first match and scored some amazing goals. His horse Honey was incredible, she seemed to know what Jason was think at every turn and the pair notched up the points.

Iain Heaton commentates on the action.

I for one loved the polocrosse action and totally got caught up in the game. The girls match on Sunday was so close, and all the riders were demonstrating the most amazing skills, one pass between two UK girls was at least half the pitch and the number 1 player caught it at a full gallop , she then dodged a South African number 3 to bounce it over the three quarter line, catch it again and shoot for goal, it was amazing! I found myself jumping up and down shouting, when I turned I found that Adam had moved away from me, it seemed I had got very high pitched, very loud and rather over-excited. Ooops!

Jason aims for the goal!

The whole event provided a wonderful weekends entertainment, including the Players Party on Saturday (of which I am still hearing stories about). Ashfields’ Martin, Mandy, Lorraine and many many others worked their socks off all weekend and produced an event that will be remembered in the Polocrosse world for many years to come.

Thanks to all that attended and thank you to Ashfields and all the helpers for a wonderful weekend we thoroughly enjoyed it and are looking forward to working towards the Nationals!!

I am left just wondering one thing, will our dressage horse make the transition…hmmmmm.

Helen Stock